First flowers

(This post is for my British beekeeping blogging buddy, Emily Heath, of Adventuresinbeeland. Sorry I have no cake to share! )

After three warm days here in the Bluegrass, the snow has mostly melted, except for those big piles in parking lots. I had forgotten that the first bulbs to bloom in my gardens are not the crocuses:

but the Iris reticula.

I don’t usually notice them until the yellow ones open, which might be today, given the forecast.

They’ve even beat the hellebores to the punch!

Though we’re supposed to have a fourth day of sun and warm (temperatures in the 70s F), tomorrow night is supposed to get down in the teens. I just hope the magnolias don’t jump the gun and get zapped when the temperatures drop.

No bee activity to report in my yard yet, though I have seen some flies on a window screen. Maybe I’ll take a walk in the Arboretum today and see what’s blooming and if any bees are active there.

Would that spring were here in full, but we’re supposed to get snow again tonight. The early bulbs are hardy, though, marvelously made to endure the cold. And how much more vibrant their colors are against the snow! Blessings to you in this season of anticipation, Carol Ann. 🙂